Education: University of Texas Austin, Bachelor of Arts / Science
University of Texas Austin, Master of Science
Former Exxon geologist now owns 3rd-largest privately held oil company in America. Founded Hilcorp Energy 1989. Bought out former partner Thomas Hook 2003 for $500 million; loaded up on debt to finance expansion. Pumped an estimated 25 million barrels of oil and natural gas equivalents in 2006; has 120 million barrels in reserve. Buys "mature" fields, deploys technology to squeeze out more energy. Gives to Houston Zoo, Contemporary Arts Museum.